Inspiring leaders + Policy | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/series/inspiring-leaders+policy
Indexen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Tue, 03 Mar 2015 23:16:54 GMT2015-03-03T23:16:54Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
Timeline: women in the UK cabinethttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2014/jul/17/timeline-women-in-the-uk-cabinet
<p>In the wake of this week's cabinet reshuffle, we look at all the women who made it to the government's top table</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2014/jul/17/timeline-women-in-the-uk-cabinet">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipPolicyThu, 17 Jul 2014 12:57:24 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2014/jul/17/timeline-women-in-the-uk-cabinetPhotograph: SUZANNE PLUNKETT/REUTERSBritain's new Secretary of State for Education Nicky Morgan leaves 10 Downing Street after her appointment in central London, July 15, 2015. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett Photograph: SUZANNE PLUNKETT/REUTERSPhotograph: SUZANNE PLUNKETT/REUTERSBritain's new Secretary of State for Education Nicky Morgan leaves 10 Downing Street after her appointment in central London, July 15, 2015. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett Photograph: SUZANNE PLUNKETT/REUTERSHarriet Minter2014-07-17T12:57:24ZAnne-Marie Slaughter: we could see a female president in 2016http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2014/mar/08/anne-marie-slaughter-we-could-see-a-female-president-in-2016
<p>The foreign policy expert and women’s rights spokeswoman talks to us about fulfilment, empowering men and whether or not Hillary Clinton will be the first female president</p><p><b>More on International Women’s Day</b></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2014/mar/07/five-pieces-of-advice-for-international-womens-day-2014">Five pieces of advice for International Women’s Day</a></li><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2014/mar/08/this-international-womens-day-stop-and-check-your-bias">On International Women’s Day stop and check your bias</a></li></ul><p>The most surprising thing about Anne-Marie Slaughter is how much she laughs. I wasn’t expecting her to be dour exactly but perhaps more reserved. Instead she’s an American version of a very British word, jolly.</p><p>A few weeks before our interview, her friend and colleague, Rosa Brooks, <a href="http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/02/21/recline_why_leaning_in_is_killing_us_sheryl_sandberg">wrote an article</a> arguing that women need to stop leaning in and instead start reclining. Despite the humorous tone, Brooks found herself in the middle of a storm of controversy. Was she saying that women couldn’t have it all? Were we giving up on leaning in before we’d even started?</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2014/mar/08/anne-marie-slaughter-we-could-see-a-female-president-in-2016">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipPolicySat, 08 Mar 2014 07:18:10 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2014/mar/08/anne-marie-slaughter-we-could-see-a-female-president-in-2016Photograph: Denise Applewhite/Princeton UniversityWhat is success? For me it's fulfilment. Photograph: Denise Applewhite/Princeton UniversityPhotograph: Denise Applewhite/Princeton UniversityWhat is success? For me it's fulfilment. Photograph: Denise Applewhite/Princeton UniversityHarriet Minter2014-03-08T07:18:10Z'The workplace was designed by men, for men – we need to modernise'http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/nov/19/maria-miller-workplace-designed-for-men
The minister for women and equality, Maria Miller, explains why maternity discrimination is a priority for the government<p>There are now more women working in this country than ever before, an historic high that means two-thirds of all women are now employed. Women are absolutely vital to our economic growth and we need to do all we can to ensure we are making the best of all they have to offer.</p><p>As a mother of three I understand how difficult it can be to juggle work and family commitments. I know that mums worry about their children when they are at work and worry about work when they are with their children.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/nov/19/maria-miller-workplace-designed-for-men">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipWomen in businessLeadershipLeadership trainingPolicyWomenMaternity & paternity rightsMaria MillerTue, 19 Nov 2013 09:29:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/nov/19/maria-miller-workplace-designed-for-menGraeme Robertson/GuardianMinister for women and equalities, Maria Miller, explains why maternity discrimination needs to stop. Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the GuardianGraeme Robertson/GuardianMinister for women and equalities, Maria Miller, explains why maternity discrimination needs to stop. Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the GuardianMaria Miller2013-11-19T09:29:00ZWomen in democracy? We still have a long way to gohttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/nov/18/parliament-week-women-lola-young
Parliament Week's theme this year is Women in Democracy. Baroness Young of Hornsey explains why it's still an issue<p>Almost 10 years ago, in early spring 2004, I was one of 14 women appointed to the House of Lords. At the same time, 33 men were appointed.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/nov/18/parliament-week-women-lola-young">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipPolicyMon, 18 Nov 2013 08:01:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/nov/18/parliament-week-women-lola-youngKatherine Rose/ObserverThere are more women in politics but there's still a long way to go Photograph: Katherine Rose for the ObserverKatherine Rose/ObserverThere are more women in politics but there's still a long way to go Photograph: Katherine Rose for the ObserverLola Young2013-11-18T08:01:08Z'If she can't see it, she can't be it': why media representation mattershttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/nov/12/media-representation-matters
Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model is a female-led film project aimed at taking on the global tween machine<p>Whether we like to admit it or not, the characters who inhabit our screen stories – who we fall in love with, laugh with, cry with, and grow older with - have an impact on our lives. They help to shape who we are, who we aspire to be, and how we view the world around us. That's why representation in mainstream media matters.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/nov/12/media-representation-matters">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipPolicyTue, 12 Nov 2013 08:00:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/nov/12/media-representation-mattersChrista Holka/GuardianBryony Kimmings as Catherine Bennett in Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model Photograph: Christa Holka for the GuardianChrista Holka/GuardianBryony Kimmings as Catherine Bennett in Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model Photograph: Christa Holka for the GuardianRebecca Brand2013-11-12T08:00:09ZBad teaching causes girls to fail at school, not male classmateshttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/women-in-leadership-blog/2013/nov/01/bad-teaching-fails-girls-mixed-sex-schools
Mixed-sex schools don't fail their female pupils; bad teaching and poor career advice does<p>In my first job, working for an MP in Westminster, I was often asked where I went to school. I found the question odd; after all, it was unlikely that anyone would know my secondary, an underwhelming, mixed-sex comprehensive in Yorkshire.</p><p>After a while, I understood the point – to sort the Harrows and the Dulwiches from the &quot;haven't heard of that&quot;s – and my answer became: &quot;A comp in the north, you won't have come across it before.&quot;</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/women-in-leadership-blog/2013/nov/01/bad-teaching-fails-girls-mixed-sex-schools">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipPolicyLeadershipLeadership trainingEducationFri, 01 Nov 2013 13:33:59 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/women-in-leadership-blog/2013/nov/01/bad-teaching-fails-girls-mixed-sex-schoolsGary Calton/gary caltonSheridan, one of the girls who took park in Channel 4 documentary Educating Yorkshire. Photograph: Gary CaltonGary Calton/gary caltonSheridan, one of the girls who took park in Channel 4 documentary Educating Yorkshire. Photograph: Gary CaltonKate McCann2013-11-01T13:33:59Z10 minutes with: CEO of an energy companyhttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/nov/01/10-minutes-with-ceo-energy-company
Juliet Davenport founded Good Energy 14 years ago. Here she discusses the barriers she faced along the way, and why a good PA is the key to success<p>Juliet Davenport is the chief executive of Good Energy. She founded the business 14 years ago, bringing about real change in the energy market. It now supplies electricity from 100% renewable sources to more than 35,000 homes and businesses across the UK</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/nov/01/10-minutes-with-ceo-energy-company">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipWomen in businessLeadershipPolicyFri, 01 Nov 2013 08:00:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/nov/01/10-minutes-with-ceo-energy-companyMurdo Macleod/Murdo MacLeodJuliet Davenport is chief executive of Good Energy. Photograph: Murdo MacleodMurdo Macleod/Murdo MacLeodJuliet Davenport is chief executive of Good Energy. Photograph: Murdo MacleodKate McCann2013-11-01T08:00:06ZWhy being a woman makes me a better police detectivehttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/oct/14/being-woman-makes-better-police-detective
Policing started out as an all-male profession that women fought hard to be part of, but female traits could make for better bobbies<p>Sir Robert Peel marked the birth of the London metropolitan police in 1829 with the historic words: &quot;The police are the public, and the public are the police.&quot;</p><p>That was a laudable ambition, but it told only half the story.&nbsp;For the public that made up Peel's police service was entirely male.&nbsp;The female half of society was excluded.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/oct/14/being-woman-makes-better-police-detective">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipWomen in businessPolicyHRManagementPolicePublic Leaders NetworkSociety ProfessionalsMon, 14 Oct 2013 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/oct/14/being-woman-makes-better-police-detectiveChristopher Thomond/GuardianDo women make better police officers than men? Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the GuardianChristopher Thomond/GuardianDo women make better police officers than men? Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the GuardianTina Barnett2013-10-14T07:00:00Z10 minutes with: a social selling company bosshttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/aug/30/10-minutes-with-social-selling-company-boss
Joanne Napier set up Linen Loft, a social selling company, three years ago. It's going from strength to strength and we found out how she did it<p>Joanne Napier is the founder of <a href="http://linenloftathome.co.uk/" title="">Linen Loft</a>, a social selling company. Napier used to work for Coca Cola and Nestl&eacute; in senior corporate roles, but juggling three children, one with specific care requirements, and the lack of flexibility in her job, meant she looked for something that she could lead but still have a life around.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/aug/30/10-minutes-with-social-selling-company-boss">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipWomen in businessHRCareer breakLeadershipPolicyFri, 30 Aug 2013 07:00:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/aug/30/10-minutes-with-social-selling-company-bossGuardianFounder of Linen Loft, Joanne Napier Photograph: GuardianGuardianFounder of Linen Loft, Joanne Napier Photograph: GuardianKate McCann2013-08-30T07:00:02ZProfile: Harriet Green, chief executive of Thomas Cook and a fearless leaderhttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/aug/27/profile-harriet-green-thomas-cook-leader
She took on a failing business and turned it around. What is the key to Harriet Green's success and how can others learn from it?<p>Thomas Cook has returned to profit after previous heavy losses and most commentators put the recovery down to the skills of chief executive Harriet Green.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/aug/27/profile-harriet-green-thomas-cook-leader">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipWomen in businessManagementPolicyHRTue, 27 Aug 2013 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/aug/27/profile-harriet-green-thomas-cook-leaderThomas Cook/PAChief executive of Thomas Cook, Harriet Green Photograph: Thomas Cook/PAThomas Cook/PAChief executive of Thomas Cook, Harriet Green Photograph: Thomas Cook/PANicky Little2013-08-27T07:00:00ZHelen Grant: I haven't cried on David Cameron's shoulderhttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/aug/09/helen-grant-havent-cried-david-cameron-shoulder-yet
The women and equalities minister talks confidence, negative stereotypes and crying in the office<p>Even before she became an MP, Helen Grant was hailed as the new face of the Conservative party <a href="http://conservativehome.blogs.com/goldlist/2008/01/helen-grant-cho.html)" title="">by the London Evening Standard</a>. A solicitor with her own family law practice, she was elected MP for Maidstone and the Weald in May 2010.</p><p>And yet, since becoming minister for women and equalities in 2012, Grant has sailed relatively under the radar, despite responsibility for the controversial gay marriage bill falling to her earlier this year.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/aug/09/helen-grant-havent-cried-david-cameron-shoulder-yet">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipWomen in businessPolicyLeadershipManagementFri, 09 Aug 2013 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/aug/09/helen-grant-havent-cried-david-cameron-shoulder-yetGraham Turner/GuardianHelen Grant is minister for women and equalities, and for victims. Photograph: Graham Turner for the GuardianGraham Turner/GuardianHelen Grant is minister for women and equalities, and for victims. Photograph: Graham Turner for the GuardianKate McCann2013-08-09T07:00:00ZSue Biggs, RHS: 'It's a confidence issue, about daring to dream'http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/jul/12/sue-biggs-rhs-director-interview
The Royal Horticultural Society's first female director on how she nearly didn't apply for the job, sexism and gaining respect<p>&quot;We're having an indoor picnic,&quot; says Sue Biggs excitedly as we sit in her office in Wisley, Surrey. The sun is shining and the beautifully manicured gardens that surround us are bursting with flowers, insects and children from the local school. &quot;I hope you like sandwiches&quot; she says, unpacking a brown paper bag crammed with food from the garden shop.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/jul/12/sue-biggs-rhs-director-interview">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipWomen in businessLeadershipManagementPolicyFri, 12 Jul 2013 07:00:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/jul/12/sue-biggs-rhs-director-interviewJon Enoch/GuardianSue Biggs, director general of the Royal Horticultural Society Photograph: Jon Enoch for the GuardianJon Enoch/GuardianSue Biggs, director general of the Royal Horticultural Society Photograph: Jon Enoch for the GuardianKate McCann2013-07-12T07:00:02ZThe government is failing young women on career advicehttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/jun/10/government-failing-young-women-career-advice
Labour MP Seema Malhotra explains why Labour would reverse coalition policy on work experience schemes<p>Earlier this month, the Women's Business Council published its report, 'Maximising women's contribution to future economic growth'. It is right to focus on early action on girls' aspirations to help them make the right career choices because not supporting women in work is costing Britain billions.</p><p>The debate about women in business has been dominated by discussion about women on boards, but there are wider issues that also need attention and this report is a step in the right direction. Developing pathways into careers and the pipeline of talent are critical if we are to see the change we need.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/jun/10/government-failing-young-women-career-advice">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipPolicyLeadership trainingLeadershipLabourMon, 10 Jun 2013 07:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/jun/10/government-failing-young-women-career-adviceMartin Argles/GuardianSeema Malhotra MP believes the government is failing young women Photograph: Martin Argles for the GuardianMartin Argles/GuardianSeema Malhotra MP believes the government is failing young women Photograph: Martin Argles for the GuardianSeema Malhotra2013-06-10T07:01:00ZMarketing to women: why painting it pink doesn't work (and never did)http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/may/20/marketing-women-pink-doesnt-work
Jane Cunningham, author of a new book advising companies how to market to women, talks about why some get it wrong<p><strong>Jane Cunningham and Philippa Roberts founded Pretty Little Head in 2007, having previously worked in advertising for DDB. Their second book, The Daring Book for Boys in Business, has just been published, and is aimed at companies who are comfortable marketing to men, but struggle to engage with female customers. We caught up with Jane to ask how they got started ...</strong></p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/may/20/marketing-women-pink-doesnt-work">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipWomen in businessLeadershipLeadership trainingHRPayPolicyMon, 20 May 2013 07:29:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/may/20/marketing-women-pink-doesnt-workGuardianMarketing to women isn't about turning everything pink Photograph: GuardianGuardianMarketing to women isn't about turning everything pink Photograph: GuardianKate McCann2013-05-20T07:29:01ZThe power of the media: putting women in the framehttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/may/02/power-of-media-women-in-frame
'Stereotype threat' is responsible for knocking the self-confidence of women and girls, but role models can turn the trend on its head<p>&quot;Is there a Men's Room?&quot; This is a question we've been asked more times than I'd care to count since founding The Women's Room, the database of female experts for the media. The implication, of course, is that women are everywhere and there is no problem with their representation. Unfortunately, this is not the case.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/may/02/power-of-media-women-in-frame">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipLeadershipMentoring and sponsorshipPolicyMediaThu, 02 May 2013 07:00:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/may/02/power-of-media-women-in-frameApex News and Pictures Agency //AlamyThe way women are represented in the media is damaging their ambition Photograph: Apex News and Pictures Agency //AlamyApex News and Pictures Agency //AlamyThe way women are represented in the media is damaging their ambition Photograph: Apex News and Pictures Agency //AlamyCaroline Criado-Perez2013-05-02T07:00:03ZNemat Shafik: Picking a good boss is importanthttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/video/2013/apr/30/public-leaders-live-picking-good-boss
Deputy managing director of the IMF, Nemat Shafik, talks about having the courage to take on big challenges and why getting out from under a bad boss is essential <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/video/2013/apr/30/public-leaders-live-picking-good-boss">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipMentoring and sponsorshipLeadershipPolicyLeadership trainingTue, 30 Apr 2013 08:52:45 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/video/2013/apr/30/public-leaders-live-picking-good-bossguardian.co.uk/guardian.co.ukPublic Leaders Live Women in Leadership
Photograph: guardian.co.ukGuardian Professional2013-04-30T08:52:45ZChris Sullivan: 'Gender diversity won't be a problem in 15 years' time'http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/apr/26/chris-sullivan-gender-diversity-15-years
RBS's chief executive of UK corporate banking is on a mission to improve the flow of female talent through the company<p>Chris Sullivan is convinced that in 15 years' time the campaign for gender equality at the top of British businesses will be a non-issue. He is so confident that, when his daughter asked him to explain why he won a European Gender Diversity award, he told her it wasn't something she would need to worry about.</p><p>&quot;I started to explain and then stopped, I thought – I'm wasting my breath here because it's not going to be an issue by the time you're in commercial life. If we get the pipeline right and we deal with all the barriers then she's not going to have to worry.&quot;</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/apr/26/chris-sullivan-gender-diversity-15-years">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipWomen in businessLeadershipLeadership trainingManagementMentoring and sponsorshipBoardPolicyFinancial sectorRoyal Bank of ScotlandFri, 26 Apr 2013 15:04:49 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/apr/26/chris-sullivan-gender-diversity-15-yearsLuke Macgregor/REUTERSChris Sullivan is putting gender diversity at the heart of RBS Photograph: Luke Macgregor/REUTERSLuke Macgregor/REUTERSChris Sullivan is putting gender diversity at the heart of RBS Photograph: Luke Macgregor/REUTERSKate McCann2013-04-26T15:04:49ZWhy stereotypes still loom large for female mayorshttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/apr/25/stereotypes-loom-large-female-mayor
The mayor of Watford explains why she chose local government over Westminster and how she created her own style of leadership<p>I remember making myself unpopular with the national party several years ago at a conference aimed to promote gender balance and encourage more women into Westminster. The solutions being put forward, which included mentoring and accompanied trips to Westminster (to make it a less intimidating place), seemed patronising to me. I knew that the real reasons so many of the accomplished and capable women in our party didn't follow this path was because of the toll it would take on their family life.</p><p>When preparing to become an MP you have to put every other part of your life on hold to tout yourself around the country while you find the right seat, and be willing to up sticks and move to wherever that might be. Once elected, the House of Commons can sit late into the night – requiring a stay away from your family if your constituency isn't close to London.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/apr/25/stereotypes-loom-large-female-mayor">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipLocal government careersLeadershipPolicyThu, 25 Apr 2013 08:28:59 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/apr/25/stereotypes-loom-large-female-mayorSimon Jacobs/Simon JacobsWatford's elected mayor, Dorothy Thornhill Photograph: Simon JacobsSimon Jacobs/Simon JacobsWatford's elected mayor, Dorothy Thornhill Photograph: Simon JacobsDorothy Thornhill2013-04-25T08:28:59ZDame Nancy Rothwell: 'Break the rules and see what happens'http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/apr/23/dame-nancy-rothwell-break-the-rules
The first female vice-chancellor of Manchester University explains why confidence is key to reaching the top of your game<p>Dame Nancy Rothwell's motto could, she says, get her into a lot of trouble. &quot;I go to schools all the time and pupils always ask me 'why can't I do that?' – they often tell me there's a rule, so I say 'just try breaking it and see what happens, the world may not end'.&quot;</p><p>She admits that sometimes taking her own advice can be difficult, and she hesitated when it came to applying for the role of vice-chancellor of Manchester University, even though she was then deputy.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/apr/23/dame-nancy-rothwell-break-the-rules">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipUniversity of ManchesterLeadershipBoardPolicyMentoring and sponsorshipTue, 23 Apr 2013 09:56:54 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/apr/23/dame-nancy-rothwell-break-the-rulesManchester UniversityDame Nancy Rothwell explains why breaking the rules can be a good thing Photograph: Manchester UniversityManchester UniversityDame Nancy Rothwell explains why breaking the rules can be a good thing Photograph: Manchester UniversityKate McCann2013-04-23T09:56:54ZHelena Morrissey: 'The big challenge is below the boardroom'http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/apr/18/helena-morrissey-big-challenge-below-boardroom
The newly appointed chair of Opportunity Now and founder of the 30% Club explains why it's the talent pipeline, not the boardroom, that we should be worried about<p>Helena Morrissey is unsurprised by the news that female appointments to FTSE 100 boardrooms have <a href="http://www.som.cranfield.ac.uk/som/ftse" title="">slowed</a>. She admits that the pace of change was &quot;heady&quot; and that it would have been hard to sustain. &quot;Meaningful change needs to be more than a token,&quot; she says. &quot;There is an element of some companies thinking 'been there, done that' because they'd appointed one woman to the board.&quot;</p><p>In her opinion, the bigger problem lies before the boardroom with the pipeline of female talent coming through businesses. &quot;That's gone backwards, although there were so few women to begin with that even one or two leaving makes a huge difference,&quot; she explains, adding that if we want to see real change, companies need to live and breathe diversity and really listen to what both men and women want from their careers.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/apr/18/helena-morrissey-big-challenge-below-boardroom">Continue reading...</a>Women in LeadershipBusinessBoardPolicyHRManagementLeadershipFinanceThu, 18 Apr 2013 09:59:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/apr/18/helena-morrissey-big-challenge-below-boardroomDavid Levene/David LeveneNewly appointed chair of Opportunity Now, Helena Morrissey Photograph: David LeveneDavid Levene/David LeveneNewly appointed chair of Opportunity Now, Helena Morrissey Photograph: David LeveneHarriet Minter and Kate McCann2013-04-18T09:59:03Z